New Friends, Olds Friends and Family

Saturday was our last full day in Kansas City and it was probably our busiest day. We packed in a full days worth of friends and family. Our morning started by driving down to Crown Center (close to downtown) to eat breakfast at the Westin with Ryan's family. We were able to see a lot of his extended family and see them off before they left. The breakfast was still part of the baseball player's shindig so I couldn't take any pictures. :( Oh well, it was still a lot of fun seeing everybody.

Afterward, we hustled to make it over to a new friend's house. Hopefully Kaci forgives us for being an hour late! I was so excited because this was the first time I got to meet a blogger friend in person. We've been chatting for over a year now. Since she lived in Kansas City and shared the same love for Canasta, we made plans to meet and play the game. Kaci had us over at her mom's place because her mom is an avid Canasta player and has been playing with a group for over 15 years! Needless to say, Ryan asked to be on her team. Ha! They play the game a little differently then we do, so it was fun learning some new rules. I loved being able to meet Kaci in person and meet her little boy, Carson, that I have been praying for this last year. Kaci and her mom were wonderful hosts and such a pleasure to meet. We made plans to meet up again when they go to Dallas in March. (I'm not going to mention who won at the Canasta game. There's no need.)

This experience was such a blast and I can't wait to do it again. Kaci, you're the best!

Once we got our Canasta fill, Ryan & I left our new friends to visit some more family. Ryan's Grandma was in town and staying with his Aunt & Uncle. He got the chance to catch up with his cousin, Adrianne, before she left to run errands. We missed seeing his cousin, Evan, before he left to go back to New York. Evan just got engaged to his long time girlfriend, Joannie.

Ryan & his adoring Grandma Georgia May

Doug even stopped by to see Ryan. He is a close family friend but basically he's family. We were able to run back to my mom's house before heading over to see some more family friends. Wayne & Cynthia have been long time family friends with Ryan's parents and their sons grew up together. Even though Jeff is a few years older then Ryan, they were still close through the year. Ryan always looked up to him and still does. Jeff & Kelli had a baby just a few days before our wedding. So we had to go visit them and see little Henry before we left. Everybody was there including their cousin, Laura.

Back: Wayne, Cynthia, Jeff, Henry, Kelli, Laura

Front: Susan, Ryan & Emily The last stop of the night was dinner with friends at Cactus Grill. We met up with our good friend, Megan, who I haven't seen in forever! Brad & Lindsey were able to come as well. It was so good catching up with Megs. I miss that girl!!

Our first attempt at taking a picture in the restaurant wasn't so good.

So we tried again outside.

Brad, Lindsey, Megan, Me & Ryan

The snow was gorgeous! Not so gorgeous the next day though, when we were driving back to Houston through it with Brad & Lindsey. It was long trek home made easier with two good friends helping share the burden.